We’ve been awarded almost £1.1million to install solar panels on the roof at King George Hospital.

The panels will generate 695,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of renewable energy per year which will result in up to £3.2million in savings over the panels’ lifetime. It will also reduce our carbon emissions by around 125 tonnes each year.

We’ll be able to generate renewable energy directly onsite and will meet around 10% of our electricity demand, helping us to reach net zero and aligning with the goals of our 2025-2028 green plan.

This will also help us achieve our annual goal of making use of our resources to become financially fit.

Our Director of Estates and Facilities, Sean Greene said:

This initiative highlights our commitment to sustainability and reduces our carbon footprint.

"We’re investing in a healthier future for our community and money saved can be spent on patient care.

The grant was provided by Great British Energy (GB Energy) as part of a national initiative supporting NHS trusts, schools and military sites to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy resilience.

Wes Streeting, the Health and Social Care Secretary and MP for Ilford North, said: 

Every pound the NHS spends on rising energy bills is money that can’t be spent on cutting waiting times. 

“By modernising the NHS and cutting wasteful spending, including taking back control of our energy, we will get patients treated faster.